The Ministry of Economy has raised minimum export prices above the market level, which may stop grain and sunflower exports from Ukraine

The Ministry of Economy and Environment of Ukraine, by Order No. 1369 of September 10, 2026, sharply increased the minimum export prices applied to agricultural products subject to the export support regime.

Compared to August, the minimum price on the CPT basis for wheat was increased from $122/t to $146/t, for barley - from $141/t to $146/t, for corn - from $119/t to $195/t. For corn, indicative levels on other bases were revised, in particular, on the DAP basis the minimum allowable price was increased from $131/t to $176/t, and on the FOB basis - from $144/t to $187/t. The updated levels will be valid for exports of the relevant products during September.

Moreover, among the main grains, the indicator for corn changed the most. It is not clear why prices for corn on a CPT basis are higher than on a FOB basis.

The export support regime also applies to wheat, meslin, barley, rye, oats, soybeans, rapeseed and sunflower, sunflower, soybean and rapeseed oil, oilcakes, as well as honey and nuts.

It should be noted that in August, world grain prices did indeed increase, but in Ukraine prices fell sharply due to a significant increase in logistics costs, so actual market export prices on delivery bases in Ukraine are often lower than the minimums set by the Ministry.

The Ministry of Economy also increased the minimum allowable export price for sunflower from $414/t to $725/t on a CPT basis and from $503/t to $671/t on a DAP basis compared to August. Domestic market prices for sunflower in Ukraine fell to $375-400/t (excluding VAT) with delivery to the factory, and export demand prices with delivery to Bulgaria and Romania - to $550-570/t, which practically stops exports.

The minimum allowable export price for sunflower oil on a CPT basis was increased from $959/t to $1,350/t, while in reality on the Ukrainian market it is offered at $1,100-1,150/t per CPT port.

Customs brokers also confirm that the price set by the ministry does not correspond to the current price level on the physical market, which makes it impossible to process customs declarations for export under concluded contracts.

According to traders, the offer prices of Ukrainian sunflower oil on CIF Turkey are $1,350-1,360/t, and Russian oil on the same terms is offered at $1,300/t, while the Ministry of Economy has set a price of $1,350/t with delivery to Ukrainian ports.

Traders have particular questions about the minimum price for sunflower oil on a FAS basis (delivery to the ship's side without loading onto it) set by the ministry at $873/t, as it completely fails to take into account the real situation, logistical difficulties, and military risks.